City of Murphysboro City Council met August 15.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its
ordinances, on the 15
th day of August, 2017. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to
order at 6:00 p.m. and led the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Father
Gummersheimer led the council in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Mayor
Stephens then directed City Clerk Cottonaro to call the roll. The roll was called with
the following
Present: Barb Hughes, Jance Curry-Witzman, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, John
Erbes, Danny Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W. J. Pittman
Absent: Russell Brown
Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 25, 2017 council meeting. All
aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #692, #693, #694 and #695
holding check to HCC Public Risk Claim Service for $3117.75 and Sam’s Club
for $353.24, through August 15, 2017, accounts receivable through August 15,
2017 and payroll through August 15, 2017. All aldermen received a copy of the
accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll for their review, prior to the
meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Committee/Commission Reports
Alderman Pittman opened the Budget & Finance Meeting.
A part time grant writer was discussed. Alderman Pittman has comparison
information showing median salary ranges: $45,874, $42,662 and a low of $30,000.
Alderman Hughes was not in favor of hiring a part time grant writer; she prefers
paying someone if we get grant money. Alderman Bastien stated we should open
up the position and request resumes. Alderman Bastien inquired as to how many
grants former Chief Hollo had written. Chief Roberts replied that the last grant we
received was Vest Partnership Grant and Sandra wrote the Range Grant. Mayor
Stephens asked if he should meet in a small group and figure out what we want in
the resume. Alderman Bratton wants to pay a percent commission and agrees with
Alderman Hughes there be no part time, we got burned. Alderman Voss thinks we
should find out what other grant writer’s percentages are. Alderman Pittman thinks
we should put a cap on it and use a smaller percentage basis with dollar amount of
grants. Alderman Bastien stated that Brian Hollo’s figures were negotiable.
Alderman Bratton wants to hold on Hollo until we find out this information.
Scott Evans discussed the police pension and fire pension budgets. The police
pension expenses over revenues are $184,600 and fire pension expenses are
$91,500 under revenues. This increase in the police pension expenses is due to the
fact that we have more in pay out of pension benefits since we have had several
long time employees leave and that also means contributions are less; so to make
up for this the pension will require higher rates. Solutions would be to raise our tax
levy over 4.9 or agree to use our dollar share and decrease budget lines to pay it.
No public comment
Alderman McComb opened the Building and Grounds Meeting.
Motion: To approve declaring 2002 GMC Yukon and 1995 Chevrolet GMT-400
bucket truck surplus.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Campos
Alderman McComb called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened the Community Relations Committee Meeting.
Motion: To approve the request for street closure for the Church of the
Nazarene of 6th Street from Walnut Street to Murphy Street, allowing for duplex
for August 21st from 9-3 and use of city’s boulevard.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Hughes
Alderman Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman Campos discussed 16th Street and a stop sign request on Roberta Drive
driving south from the high school and a stop sign at Grace and Illinois Avenue.
Alderman Campos is to bring photos of where they want the signs. Alderman
McComb suggested positioning plainclothes police and an unmarked car and see
what’s happening. Chief Roberts stated he has a traffic monitoring sign. Mayor
Stephens suggested we monitor for 10 days and give tickets to everyone who
doesn’t stop. Police Chief Roberts will meet with Mr. Grode; we will put item on the
agenda for next time.
Alderman Jance Curry-Witzman inquired if there were any restrictions if the 4th
Street Church used their lot for parking for the eclipse. Their property is fenced.
She was informed there would be no restrictions.
No public comment.
Alderman Bastien opened the Public Improvement Committee Meeting.
BLIP issue is on hold. Alderman Pittman asked if the council could have details on it
prior to the next meeting. Attorney Heller stated that he and Steve Bost were
working on the final draft of the contract; exclusivity is the only issue they are
working on. Attorney Heller will get a draft to Sandra.
Signage request from Unique Shops was discussed. The request is from Theresa
Blankenship. She would like to bring a representation of what they want to do to the
council but she could not be here tonight. Alderman Bastien will work with her and
see the proposals.
Alderman Hughes inquired of Scott Evans regarding trash receptacles needed on
the east end of town. He stated they received funding from Main Street and they got
a grant from Smysor and also applied for a $2500 grant from Wal Mart.
Alderman Erbes stated that installation of windows at the old depot is supposed to
be completed by Apple Festival per Martin Schaldemose.
Trudy Thompson inquired how to get into TIF district for 607 Walnut Street. Mayor
Stephens stated she should set up a meeting with him.
No public comment.
Alderman Bratton opened the Public Works Committee Meeting.
Osburn Street extension update. Alderman Bratton asked why the city is handling
instead of Elwell and Bishop. Harold Sheffer stated he had not heard anything yet.
Harold said IDOT said they would have closed that off if they had known that when
they put in the street lights.
Tim Lee discussed bids for lining sewer lines-6” & 8” pipe. Cannot do. A&W
Plumbing gave a bid for pipe bursting-$49,688 for 250’, 10 taps for 10 houses. Bush
Construction gave an estimate of $25,000 for excavating. Alderman Pittman
inquired if he could get a firmer bid and Alderman Bratton suggested a cost not to
exceed amount. Attorney Heller stated we do not have to go out for bids.
We will hold the issue of the billboard request by Chris Grither which is against our
ordinance.
Degenhardt Road was discussed. Alderman Bratton stated we should spend dollars
on Roberta Drive and other places in town. We will be spending $22,000 on an out
of town project which we can use in town; do not do out of town until we get in town
projects done. Alderman McComb asked how may taps they are needing as we
could recoup money form that. He was told there are two houses there now but they
said there would be four taps; that would be $4800 in tap fees. Alderman Bratton
stated we should set up a minimum of four taps. Tim was given a green light to
proceed with a formal request from Kinkaid and ask EPA approval.
We received two bids for the 7
th Street Lift Station: Municipal Equipment $17,680
installed, Vandeventer Engineering $17,130 installed.
Motion: To approve the bid from Vandeventer Engineering in the amount of
$17,130 for 7th Street Lift Station.
Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Voss
Alderman Bratton called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Boot camp lift station done and ready.
Discussion was held regarding the purchase of two new Ford trucks with tow
package and heating & air. They are being purchased for public works from
Springfield, Illinois under the state program. We have general fund CD’s coming due.
Motion: To approve the purchase of up to $21,000 each for two new Ford trucks.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes
Alderman Bratton called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Darrin discussed the tree removal on North 11th Street. It is in the alley west of the
Rome Tavern. Robert Roach was the only bidder and he turned in a bid of $1500.
Motion: To approve the bid of $1500 from Robert Roach for tree removal on
North 11th Street.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes
Alderman Bratton called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve Motor Fuel Resolution.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes
Alderman Bratton called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Public comment: Mike Austin congratulated Mayor Stephens on the Andrews
Fellows appointment. He discussed the 16th Street issue. He stated he was a prior
school board member and the problem was that there is only one way in and one
way out. It is a safety issue. Mayor Stephens stated that the 7
th Street work with
retention ponds may help this problem. Alderman McComb will recheck on figures
for equipment-costs for 30 day rental of equipment plus operator. We need a way to
haul dirt out and we have to get permission to get on everyone’s property. Harold
will write construction easements. Where do we want them? We have some
easements. Alderman McComb will get with Harold regarding easements.
Alderman Erbes stated the township would be interested in helping us with dollars.
Alderman Hughes suggested we approach the school board to see if they’d help us.
Alderman Pittman will talk to Kevin Beavers. Alderman Campos suggested we set
up a timeline for the job. Mayor Stephens suggested an afternoon meeting with
Harold Sheffer, Mike Austin, Alderman Bratton and Alderman McComb. They need
to get a map and get dollars needed and take information to township and school
district.
Mayor Stephens opened the Public Safety Committee Meeting.
Alderman Campos stated she had been told by her constituents that the cards the
police are leaving should state “we are checking on your building”. Chief Roberts
stated they now have a place to put their badge number and date.
No public comment.
Alderman Hughes opened the Personnel Committee Meeting.
Alderman Hughes stated the job at administration was advertised internally and
Sunday went into the newspaper.
Alderman Erbes talked to Mark Brittingham and Mark thinks we are real close to a
contract with police.
No public comment.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor gave update on eclipse preparations. Chief Roberts stated we have
additional auxiliary officers and we will be supplementing the sheriff on the western
end of the city.
Cathy Norton commented on the visitors from other countries at the farmer’s market.
Aldermen Announcements/Requests
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-WitzmanNothing
Herb Voss Nothing
Gary McComb Guy came into office and gripped about storage area stickers.
Said he has a gun. Should we get a sign saying weapons not
allowed on property; bar weapons-no conceal and carry.
John Erbes Nothing.
Dan Bratton Send Smysor thank you letter on city letterhead.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Gloria Campos Happy eclipse.
W. J. Pittman Nothing
Department Head Announcements/Requests
Ed Heller Nothing.
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve Swafford Reports on fire hydrants does not include low flow problems.
Report of six months review of fire calls.
Chad Roberts State contract renewed August 9th so vehicles will cost the same
dollars. Found grant for fencing on range. NRA requires 50%
match of funds. This is for deterring stealing plus fencing is
safety issue. Terrace Fence bid is $4130; $2065 appropriated.
Alderman Bratton asked about equipment purchase for building
of range. Chad will try to find out where equipment went, if it
went to public works.
Scott Evans Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Jim Stewart Nothing
Alderman McComb inquired if the office was closing down at Eclipse. He also stated
he is being asked why we close street and parking lot for beer party. Mayor stated
he would close at noon if we are closing.
Motion: To go into executive session at 8:25 pm to discuss matters related to
5ILCS 120/2(c)(1) regarding the appointment, employment, compensation,
discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body
or general counsel and to discuss matters related to 5ILCS 120/2(c)(2)
regarding collective negotiating matters and the contract proposal between
the city and its employees or their representatives.
Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Bratton
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Voss, Alderman
McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman
Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 8:35 pm.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Seconded by Alderman Campos
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Voss, Alderman
McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman
Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Motion Carried
No action taken.
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro-il.gov/files/Council_Minutes_-_2017-08-15.pdf
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